Comments on: A beautiful June morning sees the southbound Northlander with ONR 2001 pulling away from a stop at the Swastika ‘station’ in this wide-angle view that shows most of the communities downtown area. Second unit is auxiliary power unit #205. I’m standing on a makeshift platform of boards against a pine tree in order to get some elevation. It will be nice to see the rebirth of the ONR Northlander. I just wish it would be a daylight run.

By: Ian Malenfant-Picard

Ian Malenfant-Picard — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:22:49 +0000

Great shot!

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:38:40 +0000

Ahhhh, for the good old days ! Very nice indeed Mr. Mooney. Maybe next summer you will be able to take a “comparison” picture of the “new ONR Northlander”, but the today’s version will be in the dark according to the ONR proposed timetable, and the square station building won’t be there, but at least there will be a platform with a GO Transit-style glass/plastic waiting shelter. All the new platforms with waiting shelters were to have been completed by spring 2026, but AECON (the government of Ontario’s favourite contractor, a buddy-buddy of Ford) is dragging its rear end, just starting the work in Washago as an example of delayed work, and nothing has started in Gravenhurst. But this nothing new with AECON, just look at the various Metrolinx transit projects they are, and have been part of – all running late. Thanks for posting, John

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:53:04 +0000

Thanks, Jazzy: At least they have begun to build something…..anything..

By: Joseph Bishop

Joseph Bishop — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:47:48 +0000

I was there last summer, the signal bridge is for sure gone. I believe the others are gone also.

They were in the process of building a platform for a new “station” which will effectively be a bus shelter.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:05:35 +0000

I wonder if that was the case. He didn’t have to take off like he was competing in the Derby.
As far as signals go; interesting comment; next time up there will check on changes. I just know the office slash station has been demolished.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:34:12 +0000

Pulling back the throttle at bit extra for the photographer. Quite an interesting array of signals at this location. The signals are still looking good, although I suspect they may have been deactivated at this time.